The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is standing firm on its decision to issue a 2026 “Thumbs Down Award” to ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith, despite Smith delivering a blistering 44-minute digital monologue branding the rebuke a politically motivated personal “hit job.” While Smith called the dishonor one of the lowest insults of his career, the NABJ maintains its stance alongside critiques of four other media figures and institutions.
‘Lowest Insult’: Stephen A. Smith Blasts NABJ Rebuke, But Group Won’t Back Down
ATLANTA — The National Association of Black Journalists is standing by its decision to rebuke Stephen A. Smith and four other powerful figures and institutions in media after Smith called the organization’s criticism of him a political and personal “hit job.”
Smith responded Monday in a 44-minute address on his digital program, escalating a dispute that began after NABJ named him among five recipients of its 2026 Thumbs Down Awards during its annual convention in Atlanta.
“I’ve received a lot of insults in my day, but that might be the lowest,” Smith said, while also acknowledging that he is “far from perfect” and would continue trying to do better.
Smith contended that politics were behind the decision, characterizing it as “a bunch of liberals, a bunch of Democrats coming for me.”
NABJ rejected that characterization and said Tuesday that it stands by the concerns that led to the award.
“NABJ calls balls and strikes based on the conduct and issues before us, not the identity of the recipient,” the organization said in a statement.
While Smith has dominated the public debate, he was only one of five recipients this year.
NABJ also rebuked CBS, The Washington Post, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr and Circle City Broadcasting owner and CEO DuJuan McCoy — selections that collectively raised concerns about newsroom diversity, the treatment of Black journalists, editorial independence, government pressure on media and the responsibility of influential media figures at a moment of significant disruption in the industry.
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The following is the full statement from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) regarding the 2026 Thumbs Down Awards and the recent conversation surrounding this year’s recipients.
NABJ stands by its 2026 Thumbs Down Awards and the concerns raised regarding the individuals and institutions recognized this year. The award is not new. NABJ first presented the Thumbs Down Award in 1989 and has issued it 44 times since its inception, holding individuals and institutions across the media landscape accountable when their reporting, commentary or practices have conflicted with the organization’s mission and values. Recipients over the years have included Black and non-Black individuals and institutions. NABJ calls balls and strikes based on the conduct and issues before us, not the identity of the recipient.
While much of the public conversation in recent days has centered on Stephen A. Smith, he was one of five recipients named this year. The concerns NABJ raised extend well beyond any one individual and include threats to editorial independence, the loss of newsroom diversity and reporting expertise, the treatment of Black journalists in the workplace, responsible use of influential media platforms, and decisions that affect the ability of journalists to fully and fairly cover Black communities and hold powerful institutions accountable.
A representative for Mr. Smith contacted NABJ President Errin Haines and invited her to appear on his program. President Haines welcomed the opportunity to speak with Mr. Smith and proposed that they begin with a private conversation focused on listening, accountability and meaningful dialogue, with the opportunity for public engagement to follow. At no point did President Haines decline a conversation with Mr. Smith or rule out a future public conversation.
As President Haines emphasized in her remarks Saturday night, the purpose of the Thumbs Down Award is not permanent condemnation or criticism for criticism’s sake. Accountability should create an opportunity for reflection, dialogue and progress. NABJ remains open to meaningful engagement with any of this year’s recipients and will continue fulfilling its responsibility to advocate for Black journalists, fair and accurate coverage of Black communities, and a strong and independent press.
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